Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera has revealed that a request made by committee members to summon four key witnesses before the Parliamentary Special Committee appointed to investigate the release of 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection was rejected today.

In a statement on social media, MP Perera said the request was rejected by government‑representing members through a majority vote. The committee is composed of 8 government MPs and 4 opposition MPs.

The witnesses proposed for testimony included Finance and Economic Development Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, former Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake, former Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. 

The opposition argued that their evidence was vital to clarify questions surrounding the decision to charter 323 containers from the Colombo Port without mandatory physical inspection.

In a letter dated April 7, 2026, addressed to Committee Chairman Harshana Nanayakkara, opposition members had formally requested the summoning of these witnesses. However, the government side voted down the proposal. (Newswire)

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A proposal has been submitted to Parliament to appoint a special parliament select committee to conduct a full study and report on the lack of preparedness in facing Cyclone Ditwah, and to present its recommendations and suggestions to Parliament.

The proposal was presented in Parliament today (21 Jan) by Opposition MP Gayantha Karunathilleka and was seconded by MP Dilip Wedaarachchi. (Newswire)

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